Players turn out in force for Cheltenham Networking Evening

The stunning Hotel du Vin, Cheltenham was the venue for the recent RPA (Rugby Players' Association) Business Club Networking Evening for Gloucester Rugby and Worcester Warriors.

A number of first-team stars and academy players were in attendance to explore their post rugby career options.

The evenings are part of the RPA Player Development Programme (PDP), which aims to individually assist players in their personal and professional development, helping them to identify a second career and providing them with skills for a smooth transition into life after rugby.

The evening was extremely well supported by players at various stages of their careers.

England international Freddie Burns certainly appreciated the importance of a player event such as this, saying:

"I'm only 22 but I think it's vitally important that we as rugby players are thinking about the future and what to do next.

"Events like this RPA Networking Evening give us a chance to explore future options and meet valuable contacts that could potentially help us in our post-rugby careers."

Former Gloucester lock Alex Brown, who was forced to retire from rugby due to injury in December 2012, found the event extremely useful:

"Following my retirement I'm still exploring exactly what I want to do next. Coaching and teaching is one area I'm interested but I'm open to ideas.

"I've stayed involved at the club since I made the decision but nights like this are invaluable as it gives me the chance to make new connections and will hopefully help me take that next step."

In a recent RPA survey 83% of players interviewed suggested that support from Player Development Managers and having an off-field focus benefited their on-field performance.

RPA Chairman Will James supported this statistic saying:

"At times we come under a lot of pressure so I think it's incredibly important to have a focus away from the pitch. If you can find the right balance between rugby and working towards a future career it can only have a positive impact on your game.

"Evenings like this give players who aren't sure about what they want to do next an opportunity to talk to local businesses and see what they have to offer."

James was also pleased with the number of young players in attendance:

"It's great to see so many of the younger boys here tonight as it's really important that they realise early on in their careers that rugby may not last forever and they need to be prepared for what comes next.

"Andrew Stanley has done a brilliant job as Gloucester Academy Manager and it's testament to him that so many of the boys are here tonight."

RPA CEO, Damian Hopley, echoed James' sentiments:

"This event was a great example of players and regional businesses coming together to enjoy a relaxed evening in great surroundings and forging relationships based on two shared passions: rugby and people.

"It was really encouraging to see such a strong turn out from the Gloucester and Worcester players from opposite ends of their playing careers, and the Player Development Programme is absolutely vital in giving the players the opportunity to talk about life away from and after rugby.

"There was plenty of positive feedback from everyone who attended, the key now is to build on this successful start and grow the relationships over the years ahead."

RPA Business Partners BMW, KPMG, ProSport Insurance, HSBC, Burleigh Travel, Lindley Group and 108 Harley Street were just some of the businesses on hand to offer their advice.

They were joined by a number of individuals representing many different business sectors including: Property, Education, Legal, Finance, Insurance and Construction.

If you or your company would like to support The RPA Player Development Programme please contact David Barnes on 020 8831 7930 or dbarnes@theRPA.co.uk

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